Meet your new favorite treat—Coffee Cake Cookies—where the tender crumb and cinnamon swirl of classic coffee cake meet the convenient, handheld delight of a cookie. These cookies offer a perfect balance of soft, buttery dough topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether paired with your morning coffee or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this recipe brings all the cozy flavors you love in a fun, easy-to-share form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Soft & Buttery Texture: Delightfully tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Warm Cinnamon Swirl: The classic coffee cake flavor shines through in every bite.
Crunchy Streusel Topping: Adds a sweet, crumbly contrast for extra indulgence.
Perfect for Any Time: Great for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert on the go.
Simple & Fun to Make: Easy steps deliver bakery-worthy results at home!
Ingredients
Ready to make magic? These ingredients are your culinary sidekicks. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that fluffy bite.
Baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the acidity of sour cream to create a tender cookie.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened to create a creamy base, it adds richness and flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delightful texture.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Sour cream: This ingredient keeps the cookies moist and tender, with a slight tang.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that brings a cozy flavor reminiscent of classic coffee cake.
Brown sugar: Packed for extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Chopped nuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you choose to include them.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet glaze that tops off these cookies.
Milk: Used to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
For those looking to mix things up, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. You can also add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist! Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Coffee Cake Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents. Set this mixture aside for now; it’ll be ready to join the party soon!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture. It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg adds moisture, while the vanilla brings a warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet and spicy blend will be the surprise center of your cookies, reminiscent of classic coffee cake.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Sprinkle a teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture in the center, fold the dough over to seal it, and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the dough is used.
Step 8: Bake
Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary. You want it pourable but not too runny.
Step 10: Cool and Drizzle
Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, and watch them transform into a sweet masterpiece!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes for easy removal and cleanup.
For a chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you want them just golden.
Experiment with different nuts or spices to customize your cookies!
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a silicone mat can help with even baking.
Parchment paper: Essential for easy cleanup; aluminum foil is a good alternative.
Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for creaming.
Whisk: A hand whisk is perfect, but an electric mixer speeds things up.
Spoon or cookie scoop: A tablespoon works, but a cookie scoop ensures uniform size.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Twist: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped nuts for a nut-free version that’s still packed with flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Spiced Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Fruit-Infused: Fold in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Coffee Cake Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
For a festive touch, arrange cookies on a decorative platter with fresh fruit.
Drizzle extra glaze on top for an eye-catching presentation.
FAQs about Coffee Cake Cookies
Can I make Coffee Cake Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies!
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute. It keeps the cookies moist while adding a slight tang.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips is a fantastic way to give these cookies a chocolatey twist. Just fold them into the dough before forming the cookies.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
These cookies shine when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Coffee Cake Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. The soft, tender bites, paired with that sweet glaze, evoke a sense of comfort that warms the heart. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee, these cookies bring joy to any occasion. They’re a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Delicious and soft coffee cake cookies with a sweet glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until just combined.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Sprinkle a teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture in the center, and fold the dough over to seal it. Roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of each cookie before baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option that still maintains moisture.
